Hello All!

I am over here for a question.

As some of you may know, I have purchased a small 14' vintage travel trailer made in Belgium. I will be doing a lot of Art Fairs this summer and plan on using my 122 as a tow car. I know that the car can handle the load as the trailer is only about 1200#.

But, it DID get me to wondering what the towing capqacity for a 122 wagon is. It is a 1967 122 wagon with stock B18 engine. The car has been modified with OD, which of course will not be used whilst towing a trailer, and front sway bars.

Anybody out there know?

George?

Thanks!
--
Sensual Ascetic. Fountain pens, alternative photo processes, old house, old cars ("We don't need no stinkin' Cup Holders!"), good wine.

I would go with what Erling says.
My (both, now) 122 wagons have a very sturdy trailer hitch rig bolted to
the frame and while there is welding in the hitch framework it is not welded
to the frame. I think that is a better deal.

You have several factors in towing. Of course how you drive is the most
important. Towing definitely changes how things work and you DON'T want
the towed load to be in control of where your car goes. Towed loads lack
the necessary perception and wisdom to be driving YOUR car!

Having said that I'll say that I have towed my 164 with my 122 wagon.
I didn't like it but it was OK.

The power train is pretty sturdy unless badly worn, poorly maintained or
abused. Loose axle nuts will kill you because the axle keys are not
strong enough by themselves to deal with very heavy loads, and when they
shear they can damage both the axle and the hub.

Overheating can be a problem with heavy loads, especially if your ignition
is not advanced far enough. It took me a number of years to learn to check
ignition timing early in the game.

Brakes are VERY important, especially if you don't have a functioning servo/booster. Here again you can run into the problem of the towed load
suddenly being in control. Trailer brakes are great but you gotta remember
to apply them first so the trailer holds you back rather than pushing you
forward against your brakes.

To the best of my knowledge the rated internal load of the 222 is 1000#,
or maybe 1100 (if metric). Small difference. In any case normally you can
figure that the towed load can be twice what the carried load can be. Again,
trailer brakes help a LOT.

Mountainous terrain will reduce that and cross-country normally cuts it in half. (at least that is how the Army figures it.)

Hope this helps.

--
George Downs, The "original" Walrus3, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

I would think a 1200lb trailer would be no problem for either a 122 wagon or your 544... Only advantage to the wagon is the lower rear end gearing, but either should be fine.

It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to put a pair of IPDs overload springs in back, but not necessary. I did recently put a set in mine, and the car still sits level, and not much compromise in ride quality.

And DEFINITELY have a good solid frame mounted hitch installed.The bumpers simply ain't on there good enough...

The stock B18 will be up to the task, though probably a bit tedious...especially on hills. But I've probably rope-towed cars probably a cumulative 1000 miles in a 122 wagon... never had a problem.

Happy motoring!
-Matt

c.a.,

There may be different figures for different markets or models. Over here though (Norway), all the Amazon models are approved for hauling trailers with a total weight of 1,000 kilos provided the trailer has brakes. Source: http://www.webaid.no/volvo/volvob.html (Norwegian text, but the figures are international!)

Erling.
--
My 240 Page

Thanks so much!

This should be no problem! my trailer only weighs 580 kilos! Who knows? i might even try towing it with the 544 also!
--
Sensual Ascetic. Fountain pens, alternative photo processes, old house, old cars ("We don't need no stinkin' Cup Holders!"), good wine.

I had a vintage ad showing a 122 towing what looks like about a 20+ foot sailboat on a trailer, captioned "The Mighty Volvo". Very cool ad, I wish I still had it.
You should make sure you have a robust hitch, the standard bumper hitch may be questionable, depending on the tongue weight of the trailer and how it tracks behind the car. Also, good mirrors are a must. Visibility makes the towing experience less stressful.
Maybe I'll post my latest adventure in towing on the opinions page later this week, by then it may seem more amusing and less depressing.


Lee Boerner

Hey Lee!
Post it here!
The stuff gets pretty thick in opinions so I rarely visit.
It does apply to the vehicle itself.
--
George Downs, The "original" Walrus3, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Definately plan to have a heavy duty hitch welded into the 122 even though the trailer is relatively light.

According to the specs in my owner's manual, even the 544 could tow the trailer, but I don't think I will try.

Whats this about a bad towing experience? Please post it in opinions. Who knows, writing about it might be cathartic or something.
--
Sensual Ascetic. Fountain pens, alternative photo processes, old house, old cars ("We don't need no stinkin' Cup Holders!"), good wine.